Baniqued favored in IronKids Triathlon

The 2016 IronKids Triathlon, long considered as the country’s biggest and toughest event for rising stars, unfurls on Aug. 6 at the Shangri-La Mactan in Cebu. One of the players to watch is 13-year-old Wacky Baniqued who has practically won all major events in the country the past five years. And recently, he finished a strong runnerup to15-year-old Malaysian Russel Liew in the 2016 Singapore International Triathlon.

The last time Banigued didn't finish first was five years ago when eight-year-old Eric Almendral beat him by a whisker.

After that, no one could beat Baniqued as he ruled the Subic triathlon last March. He then won both duathlon events – first at The Village Sports Club, Parañaque last May and then again at the Subic Bay Wow Pool two months ago.

Being the best triathlete in local shores is not enough for Baniqued though. To become the best that he could be and reach his full potential is among the important values he has learned from participating in the Alaska IronKids program since he was a seven years old.

More than winning the competition, kids participating in the event are already winners without winning medals.

That’s because it encourages kids to drop their expensive gadgets in favor of the thrill and adrenalin rush that they can get in the swim-bike- run competition.

The competition likewise provides different challenges, including representing the country in major events abroad. The PH team is being handled by Ani Brown.

Baniqued’s runner-up finish in Singapore is likely to serve him well in the coming IronKids event.

With his sheer determination and talent, Baniqued is being groomed by Brown in the coming Olympics – the 2020 Tokyo Games.

Also being considered are Jana Macalalad, Lauren Plaza and the Borlain sisters – Tara and Samantha.